The American Shorthair, a sturdy and friendly cat, descendant of rodent hunters.
The Sturdy Charm of the American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a cat breed renowned for its robustness, good nature, and classic appearance. Descended from European cats brought to America by early settlers for pest control, it has become a cherished family companion. This medium to large-sized cat features a muscular body, a round head, and a short, dense coat, available in an incredible variety of colors and patterns.
Known for its gentle temperament, intelligence, and adaptability, the American Shorthair is an excellent pet for families, singles, and seniors alike. It combines a heritage of effective hunting with an affectionate and calm personality.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 14, 2025.
My personal tip : The American Shorthair's dense coat requires weekly brushing to remove dead hairs and maintain its health, especially during shedding season. Although it is a moderately active cat, its hunting heritage gives it a need for exercise and mental stimulation. Offer interactive games, puzzle toys, and high perches. The American Shorthair is adaptable and sociable, getting along well with children and other pets, but it also appreciates its independence. A high-quality diet is essential, and its weight should be monitored, as its calm nature can predispose it to obesity.
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Identifying the American Shorthair: Key Characteristics
The American Shorthair's round head and gentle features reflect its temperament.
The American Shorthair is a medium to large-sized cat with a sturdy, muscular body, broad chest, and strong shoulders. Its conformation is that of a perfect athlete, designed for hunting.
Size: Medium to large-sized cat, with a sturdy and well-muscled body.
Coat: Short, dense, firm, and glossy, weatherproof. Over 80 colors and patterns are recognized (solid, tabby, tortie, bicolor, etc.). Silver and brown tabby are very popular.
Head: Round, longer than wide, with full cheeks and a sweet profile.
Eyes: Large, round, and expressive, generally golden or green, but can vary depending on coat color.
Ears: Medium-sized, slightly rounded at the tips, well-spaced.
Tail: Medium length, thick at the base and tapering slightly.
Dimensions et Informations Clés (American Shorthair)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Taille (au garrot)
23 – 25 cm
20 – 23 cm
20 – 25 cm
Poids
5 – 7 kg
2.75 – 5.5 kg
2.75 – 7 kg
Life Expectancy
15 – 20 years
15 – 20 years
15 – 20 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 4-6
These figures indicate that the American Shorthair is a medium to large-sized cat, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.
Behavior: Friendly, Calm, and Adaptable
The American Shorthair is a cat breed renowned for its balanced temperament and friendly nature, making it an ideal family companion. Descended from European cats that arrived in America, it is robust, intelligent, and adapts very well to various living situations. These are cats that are neither too demanding nor too aloof; they appreciate their owners' company but also know how to entertain themselves.
Very playful, American Shorthairs enjoy simulated hunts and interactive toys, retaining their playful spirit well into adulthood. Their intelligence allows them to adapt easily to household routines, and they are generally very tolerant of children and other pets. Their gentle nature and patience make them excellent companions for the whole family. Their sturdy build and short coat are reminiscent of the British Shorthair, although the American Shorthair is often a bit more active.
The American Shorthair is a healthy and low-maintenance cat, whose short coat requires only occasional brushing. If you are drawn to a calm, affectionate, and adaptable cat, the American Shorthair is an excellent choice. For those who appreciate short-haired cats with a similar look but minimal coat maintenance, the Exotic Shorthair might be interesting. The Chartreux also shares a composed personality and great adaptability. Finally, for gentle and sociable companions, the Burmese and the American Bobtail also offer remarkable companion qualities.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the American Shorthair is deeply intertwined with the arrival of European settlers in America in the 17th century. These early shorthaired cats were brought on ships to control rodent populations. Over generations, these 'working cats' evolved through natural selection and crossbreeding with native cat populations, adapting to the continent's climates and challenges. Initially called 'Domestic Shorthair', they were among the first breeds registered by the CFA in 1904, before being officially renamed 'American Shorthair' in 1966 to emphasize their pedigreed status and distinction from common domestic cats.
The American Shorthair is recognized for its exceptional adaptability, thriving in various environments, from apartments to large homes, provided it receives sufficient stimulation and affection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the American Shorthair
What is the difference between an American Shorthair and a Domestic Shorthair?
The American Shorthair is a purebred cat breed with a pedigree and predictable physical and temperament characteristics. A Domestic Shorthair is a mixed-breed cat, without a recognized pedigree, whose appearance and temperament can vary greatly.
What is the temperament of the American Shorthair ?
The American Shorthair is known for its gentle, adaptable, friendly, sociable, playful, and intelligent temperament. It is very attached to its family and gets along well with children and other pets.
Is the American Shorthair prone to specific health problems?
Although generally robust, the American Shorthair can be predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), dental disease, and obesity. Regular screening is recommended.
How much grooming does the American Shorthair's coat require?
The American Shorthair's short, dense coat is easy to maintain. Weekly brushing is generally sufficient to remove loose hairs and maintain coat cleanliness and shine.
What is the life expectancy of an American Shorthair?
The average life expectancy of an American Shorthair is impressive, typically ranging between 15 and 20 years, or even more, with proper care and a balanced diet.
